Alaska & Kenai In-Depth - Small Group Tour

Overview

This is a rare chance to experience an in-depth look at Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula in America’s largest state, Alaska. Look forward to viewing North America’s highest peaks, most impressive glaciers, dazzling fiords, stunning national parks and an abundance of incredible wildlife, from moose and bears to whales and bald eagles. You’ll explore the Kenai Peninsula from the capital city to Homer, and even experience a full day floatplane excursion in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve to see the bears that feed on the salmon along the lakeshore.

This is a small group tour with maximum 13 people in the group.

Highlights

Take a seaplane flight from Soldotna to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, where you can watch the bears dine along the lake shorelines with thousands of salmon spawning in the shallows.

Paddle across the glistening waters of Kachemak Bay in a kayak, enjoying the ultimate in tranquility with the silence broken only by the bald eagles wings flapping overhead, or the sea otters and porpoise that splash alongside you.

Travel one of the most scenic drives in North America along the Seward Highway taking in jaw-dropping views of the craggy Chugach Mountains, waterfalls and sparkling glaciers, before getting up close and personal with Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield

Take a wildlife cruise on Resurrection Bay where you’ll have the chance to spot puffins, bald eagles, sea lions, otters, humpback and orca whales, and, get so close to glaciers you can hear their creaking sounds.

Details

After touching down in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city despite its relatively small population of 300,000, begin your grand adventure by wandering the streets and getting a feel for what it might be like to live here. Check out one of the locals’ favourite restaurants, like Spenard Roadhouse, for the chance to chat with area residents, and to get a taste of the best the city has it offer. It pays homage to the roadhouses that dot the state, but it isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite to eat – it’s a spot you’ll want to sit down and stay a while. Save some room for your welcome dinner in the evening, followed by a restful night at one of Anchorage’s finest accommodations, the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa.

Ovenight: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel

Day 2 & 3

Travelling the Seward Highway in the morning, the 127-mile stretch of road between Anchorage and Seward, you might think you’ve landed in a fairytale. It winds through the spectacular Alaskan wilderness offering dramatic views of the shorelines of Turnagain Arm, the soaring craggy peaks of the Chugach Mountains, countless waterfalls, turquoise-hued glaciers and sparkling lakes. Keep an eye out for the moose, eagles and bears that are often spotted along the way. Once in Seward, Resurrection Bay reveals itself, with its waters frequented by orca whales, humpbacks, porpoises, otters, harbor seals and sea lions.

After this unforgettable drive, you’ll hike the breathtaking trail from Exit Glacier to Harding Icefield, considered one of the most impressive hikes in the entire state. This strenuous trek that runs along the glacier is a Kenai Fjords classic, with dramatic vistas that include the vast seracs and deep crevasses on the glacier. You’ll pass heather-filled meadows, climbing well above the tree line to a lookout over the icefield for views like you’ve never seen before. At the top is a window to past ice ages, with endless snow and ice stretching as far as the eye can see. If the hike is too challenging, you can choose an easier option which will provide a different, yet also beautiful perspective of the glacier. If you still have energy afterwards, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, an aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue centre where you can see all sorts of creatures, from the adorable puffin to Steller sea lions and giant Pacific octopuses.

After a restful night’s sleep at the lodge, you’ll embark on a full day of wildlife viewing with a cruise on Resurrection Bay and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh salmon, prime rib or vegetarian options while you hear informative and entertainment commentary about the wildlife you might spot, from puffins and eagles to sea lions, otters, humpback and orca whales, and the local area from your expert guide. You’ll also get up close and personal with two active tidewater glaciers – so close, that you’ll be able to hear their creaking sounds, and watch as chunks of ice plunge into the chilly waters of the bay.

Overnight for two nights: Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

Day 4 & 5

It’s time to make your way towards Homer, renowned for its rugged coastlines, deep fjords, magnificent mountains, old growth Sitka spruce forests, peaceful beaches and incredible tidal fluctuations. One of the best ways to explore your destination for the next two nights is to paddle across the glistening waters of Kachemak Bay by kayak. You’ll be enveloped by the tranquility while watching for the porpoise and sea otters on the water, gazing up to see the bald eagles that soar overhead. With the snowy mountain peaks and the dense forest as your backdrop, you’ll quickly realise there are few places more extraordinary than this.

The ultimate wilderness experience continues with a premier bear viewing, fly-in experience at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. This spectacularly rugged region offers just about all of the highlights that Alaska is known for in an area that’s less than one percent of the entire state: volcanoes, alpine spires, glaciers, wild rivers, ice fields, and an abundance of wildlife. The dense forests and sweeping tundra are home to herds of caribou and bears, which are drawn to take lakes and streams that are loaded with salmon and trout. As the bears tend to head to the shorelines, where the thousands of salmon spawn in the shallows, it’s easy to spot them enjoying an easy meal. After your 40-minute seaplane flight from Soldotna, you’ll fly over Mount Redoubt just before landing, where a boat will take you around the lake to see these amazing animals.

Overnight for two nights: Land’s End Resort, Homer

Day 6

Although your tour ends today, you still have lots to look forward to. As you make your way back to Anchorage, you’ll stop at Alyeska for a wilderness walk in the Chugach Mountains along Alaska’s south-central coast, which features a backdrop of towering spruce trees, bald eagles and glaciers. Let the hand trolley pull you across the stream, and then begin your trek at the Alyeska Resort. You may want to ride the gondola, where you’ll discover more awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped mountains and wildflowers before moving on to your final stop: Anchorage.

Back in Alaska’s capital, one of the most diverse cities in the nation, there are lots of shops that specialise in authentic Alaska Native artwork. These beautiful handmade works of art offer distinctive reminders of your time in Alaska, with each piece revealing its own rich history, so you may want to pick something up to bring back home as a souvenir before it’s time to return to the airport and end your journey in The Last Frontier.

Please note that the tour does not end until 17.00, so we advise booking a final night hotel in Anchorage, or book a flight departing after 21.00

The weather information shown below refers to the first stop on the tour, call us and speak to one of our travel experts for the most up-to-date forecasts and weather details for your tour.

TODAY18ºC

THU19ºC

FRI21ºC

SAT21ºC

SUN21ºC

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average Temperature (Celsius) Average Rainfall (Inches)

-12ºC

-8ºC

-4ºC

6ºC

15ºC

23ºC

22ºC

19ºC

12ºC

3ºC

-7ºC

-13ºC

0

0

0

1

1

1

3

3

1

1

0

0

Average Temperature (Celsius) Average Rainfall (Inches)

Jan

-12ºC

0

Feb

-8ºC

0

Mar

-4ºC

0

Apr

6ºC

1

May

15ºC

1

Jun

23ºC

1

Jul

22ºC

3

Aug

19ºC

3

Sep

12ºC

1

Oct

3ºC

1

Nov

-7ºC

0

Dec

-13ºC

0

Departure Dates & Prices

Departure Dates

Prices From

5 Night

22 Jun

€3639

20 Jul

€4029

17 Aug

€4029

07 Sep

€3639

Prices correct as at 6pm on 24 May 2019. Please call for final price. Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing a room. Other durations available - call for quote.
Saturday departures . Different hotels of a similar standard may be used on certain departures. Supplements may apply on dates within certain dates during peak travel periods. (GAA)

Accommodation Information

Board Basis

Room Type

Room Only

Standard Room

Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday.

American Sky also recommends

Enjoy an Alaskan adventure on this 10-night small group tour to the heart of the “Frontier State”. Experience the real Alaska, hiking in the spectacular National Parks, taking a scenic ferry through Prince William Sound, spotting wildlife and enjoying a dog sled demonstration.

The ultimate tour to experience the wilderness of Alaska. From scenic river valleys to snow-capped peaks, traverse the tundra of Denali and explore Kenai Fjords National Park – home to Black Bears, the Harding Ice Trail & Resurrection Bay.

Get exclusive offers & deals delivered to your inbox

Request a Call Back

Complete this form to request a call from our friendly team of travel experts. Fields marked with asterisks are required.

Your Details

Title: *

First Name: *

Surname: *

Preferred Contact Number: *

Email:

Preferred Call Back Time: *

Additional Information: To help us tailor a quote for you, please let us know any additional information such as; particular resorts & hotels that you wish to stay at? Are you travelling for a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary? Do you have an approximate budget?

Travel Information

Destination:

Departure Date: *

I'm Flexible +/- 3 days

Duration:

Nights

No. of people:

Adults

Children

Child Ages: *

Preferred Airport:

American Sky and our other brands* would like to email you from time to time with our newsletter, holiday offers and information about our products and services. Please tick here if you do not wish to receive these emails. We will process your personal data in line with our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

* Our other brands include Canadian Sky, Tropical Sky, Australian Sky, New Zealand Sky, Africa Sky, Just Seychelles.com and Tropical Sky Weddings.

Other Airport:

Email Enquiry

Complete this form to request an email reply from our friendly team of travel experts. Fields marked with asterisks are required.

Your Details

Title: *

First Name: *

Surname: *

Email: *

Preferred Contact Number: *

Preferred Call Back Time:

Your Enquiry:To help us tailor a quote for you, please let us know any additional information such as; particular resorts & hotels that you wish to stay at? Are you travelling for a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary? Do you have an approximate budget?

Travel Information

Destination:

Departure Date: *

I'm Flexible +/- 3 days

Duration:

Nights

No. of people:

Adults

Children

Child Ages: *

Preferred Airport:

American Sky and our other brands* would like to email you from time to time with our newsletter, holiday offers and information about our products and services. Please tick here if you do not wish to receive these emails. We will process your personal data in line with our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

* Our other brands include Canadian Sky, Tropical Sky, Australian Sky, New Zealand Sky, Africa Sky, Just Seychelles.com and Tropical Sky Weddings.

Other Airport:

Sign up for exclusive offers & deals

Tell us your holiday preferences and receive special deals and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.

As a subscriber to our newsletter, we will process your personal data. For more information about how we process it, please see our Privacy & Cookies Policy. Your details will not be passed onto any third parties.